Calculating Speed of Sound in Water Given Torpedo Impact Data

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of sound in water based on the impact data of a torpedo traveling at 20.00 m/s over a distance of 2000.0 m. The total time from firing to hearing the sound of impact is 101.4 seconds. The correct approach involves determining the time taken for the torpedo to reach the target and then using the remaining time to calculate the speed of sound. The speed of sound in water is derived by recognizing that sound travels the distance of 2000.0 m in the remaining time after the torpedo's travel time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically speed, distance, and time.
  • Familiarity with the equation speed = distance/time.
  • Knowledge of sound propagation in water.
  • Basic problem-solving skills in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the time taken for the torpedo to reach the target using the formula time = distance/speed.
  • Determine the remaining time for sound to travel back to the listener after the torpedo impacts.
  • Apply the speed = distance/time formula to find the speed of sound in water.
  • Research the typical speed of sound in water for comparison with calculated results.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and sound propagation, as well as educators looking for practical examples of applying physics equations in real-world scenarios.

skybird
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A torpedo fired from a submerged submarine is propelled through the water with a speed of 20.00 m/s and explodes upon impact with a target 2000.0 m away. If the sound of the impact is heard 101.4 s after the torpedo was fired, what is the speed of sound in water? (torpedo is held at a constant speed by propeller)


Homework Equations


speed=d/t


The Attempt at a Solution


I started by reading through the question and thought, if the torpedo travels 20 m/s, and it went 2000 m, then it would be traveling the length in 100 seconds. From there i thought that since it takes 101.4 s for the sound to reach the listener, I could divide 100 by 101.4, concluding that the speed of sound was 1.014 m/s. I think i am completely wrong in how to solve this problem. Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you divide 100 seconds by 101.4 seconds, what are the units of the quotient?

Now, you know how far the sound travels and how long it takes to travel. Don't you think that's a better approach?
 

Similar threads

Submarine Torpedo Momentum Question: Solving for Velocity Change
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Submarine Fires Torpedo, Submarine's Recoil?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
Solving for Time to Reach Ground: Calculating Velocity of Sound over 50m
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Speed of bowling ball involving speed of sound
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Frequency of Reflected Underwater Sound Wave
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating Submarine Recoil Speed from Torpedo Launch
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Finding Distance with given 2 speeds and a time
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Speed of Sound using a Resonant tube
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
What is the impact speed of the proton in a 4850V capacitor?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Undergrad Speed of Sound & Light: Is it True?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K